"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog.  I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger. 
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Slowly, slowly, I'm finding moments to resume entertaining.  Today, I set a table for four in the living room, and a friend brought take out for lunch.  It's been too long.  I had a wonderful time creating one of my 30 minute tablescapes.  Inspiration for the day...


 ...the Williams-Sonoma toile tablecloth.  The mailman delivered it just this morning, and I thought, why not!

 I really like the wide solid red border on the cloth.

 When I use a square cloth on a round table, I try to assure that the points of the square fall between the chairs.  That way my guests don't have to hassle with them when seated.

 Keeping it simple....I decided to play with just the colors in the cloth.

 The details...Pottery Barn Flax hemstitched linen napkins and the L'Argent Sophia flatware in white, found at Tuesday Morning and Horchow.


 Come on in...

 Where would you like to sit?

 More details...

 The Bormioli red glass charger framed...

 ...the Wedgwood Queensware Plain dinner plate, from Replacements....


 ...topped by the Wedgwood majolica grape leaf plate...


 ...and an unknown maker's red glass compote, found at an estate sale.


 Everyone enjoyed a glass of wine today in the Waterford Simply Red (Glendora) goblet, acquired through eBay and Replacements.


 My centerpiece was simply the Hartley & Leeds Creamware Chestnut Bowl/tureen, found on eBay.  I surrounded it with simple red mercury glass votives and tiny ruby glass vases.

I'm so glad to have the time to set a table for dear friends again.  We dined on a delicious salad and visited into the afternoon...my idea of a perfect day!

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch